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Marlins out of Chapman sweepstakes

For weeks, the Marlins have been in hot pursuit of Cuban standout Aroldis Chapman. But with the price to secure the left-handed pitcher surpassing the $20 million mark, the Marlins no longer are seriously in the running.

According Jorge Ebro of El Nuevo Herald, the Blue Jays have an offer of $23 million on the table for Chapman. The Angels also are making a push to sign the hard-throwing Cuban defector.

The story says the Marlins raised their offer from five-years, $13 million to $16 million. The report, quoting an unnamed Florida source, said the club hasn’t completely given up hope of signing Chapman. But the team is well aware there are higher bids out there.

With their limited economic resources, the Marlins aren’t prepared to reach the $20 million mark.

With no state income tax in Florida, the Marlins were hoping a slightly less offer for Chapman may have swayed the 21-year-old to sign.

Chapman has been working out in South Florida with his close friend Kendry Morales of the Angels. Chapman’s ties to Morales could ultimately become a deciding factor.

There is a chance Chapman will make his decision soon, perhaps over the weekend.

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